Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

Overview

An Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children in a childcare setting. As this is for a new childcare facility, ECEs will play a key role in establishing the center’s culture and implementing Fueling Brains practices.

Our classrooms are inspired by the Fueling Brains philosophy with a focus on development of executive functions. These innovative spaces are where creativity, imagination, social skills, and children’s interests determine the curriculum through our unique Left Brain, Right Brain and Movement approach. The ECE will create a learning environment that inspires children to think outside of the box and explore and engage with their senses.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Program Development & Implementation
• Plan and carry out developmentally appropriate activities and programs tailored to the needs and interests of children, fostering growth in their executive functions through Left Brain (Montessori-inspired) and Right Brain (Reggio Emilia-inspired) curriculum.
• Optimize the classroom environment to support student growth, exploration, and engagement in daily learning experiences.
• Act as an intentional designer and co-learner - setting up responsive, curiosity-driven spaces that evolve through observation, reflection, and the emerging interests of children.
• Monitor and document children’s progress through observations and assessments optimizing the data in the Fueling Brains application for appropriate lesson plans to enhance the teaching / learning process
• Child Supervision & Safety
• Ensure a safe, secure, and healthy environment for children, including adhering to safety standards, monitoring the play areas, and maintaining a clean classroom.
• Supervise children both indoors and outdoors, ensuring their well-being, safety, and proper supervision during all activities.
• Positive Child Development
• Support children in developing their cognitive flexibility, working memory and inhibitory control through the nine intelligence areas
• Encourage positive behavior and manage challenging behaviors with appropriate strategies.
• Parent Communication & Involvement
• Build positive relationships with families by maintaining open communication about their child’s experiences, development, educational success, and any concerns.
• Participate in parent-teacher meetings, daily updates, and other family engagement initiatives to foster collaboration between the center and families.
• Team Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with other Early Childhood Educators, assistants, and staff members to create a positive, cohesive and supportive working environment.
• Share insights, observations, and strategies with colleagues to enhance the quality of care provided.
• Facility Start-up
• As part of a new childcare facility, participate in helping to set up the classroom and learning environments, ensuring the space is welcoming, stimulating, and conducive to learning.
• Assist in developing initial policies and routines, contributing to the overall culture and educational vision of the center.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Preferred Skills And Qualifications

• Education
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from a recognized institution.
• Current ECE Certificate (one-year or five-year, issued by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development)
• Experience
• Experience working with children 3-5 years in a childcare or early learning environment (internships or placements may be considered)
• Experience in setting up a new facility or working in start-up environments (preferred but not required).
• Evidence of working knowledge using the BC Early Learning Framework, ECEBC Code of Ethics, neuroscience-informed practices, and experience in Left Brain (Montessori-inspired) and Right Brain (Reggio Emilia-inspired) environments.
• Key Skills
• Strong knowledge of child development, early learning strategies, and inclusive educational practices.
• Familiarity with Indigenous perspectives and commitment to culturally responsive practice is highly valued
• Creativity in planning engaging and effective learning activities.
• Well-versed in inclusive support strategies, with the ability to adapt practices to meet the diverse developmental needs of children of all abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with children, colleagues and families.
• Ability to work as part collaboratively in a team environment, foster positive relationships, and support ECEAs through role modelling, feedback and shared reflective practice.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to details, and problem-solving abilities
• First Aid and CPR certification (required).
• Experience using digital platforms for attendance tracking, lesson planning, or communication with parents is an asset.
• Experience working in culturally diverse environments or with children from various backgrounds is valued. The candidate should understand how to create an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and supported.

Work Environment Requirements

• Flexibility to work across all scheduled shifts, including early mornings and/or late afternoons, depending on the facility’s operational requirements. Flexibility to move between classrooms and support transitions throughout the day is valued.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in active play with children, including lifting small children, sitting on the floor, and participating in outdoor activities.
• Location: May involve initial training and orientation sessions to familiarize with the new environment prior to the opening.

Additional Requirements

• Criminal Record Check: Successful completion of a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector search.
• First Aid Certification: Valid Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain within the first three months of employment.
• Immunizations: Up-to-date immunizations as required for childcare workers in British Columbia.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in active play and lift up to 40 lbs.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those applicants for further consideration will be contacted.

Fueling Brains Academy is an equal opportunity workplace, and we are committed to building and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We believe that a strong focus and commitment to diversity and inclusion enables us to truly make early childhood education an enabler for wide-reaching change. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities.